La Trenda lives with 4 dogs, all rescues who came to her with special needs. She spent 8 years volunteering and working for various shelters and rescues. She now spends most of her time going to dog training classes and studying training and behavior books to learn about better ways to connect with her dogs.

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Leash acclimation

So we have already talked about helping a dog feel better about wearing a collar or harness. Next we’ll discuss leash acclimation.

Many folks will advise to just put a leash on a puppy and let her drag it around. This usually works but before the dog becomes habituated, he often has to suffer a lot of frustration. Instead we can get a dog acclimated to a leash through desensitization and counter conditioning:

Start with a leash or rope or piece of cloth on the floor. Reward any interactions with the item (the same as we did with the collar).

Next, Hold it close the dog’s harness, mark and reward, then do something fun with the dog. You can do this a few times as long as the dog is having fun.

Next, clip it to the dog’s harness, take it off and go do something fun. Try this a few times as long as the dog is having fun.

Next, leave a lightweight, 1 inch piece of cloth on the harness. Let the dog move around with it on (under heavy supervision). If the dog seems bothered by it, take it off. Then try something shorter and/or lighter.

Later, increase the length by a couple of inches. Start seeing how the dog feels about you picking up the leash occasionally. Maintain heavy supervision while the dog is wearing it.

Still supervising, work your way up to 6 feet or whatever length you plan to use.

You can actually start working on loose leash walking before you start using a leash (in a secure area).

Additionally, while you are in a secured area, you can work on taking on and off the leash and dropping and picking up the leash – see Leslie McDevitt’s Leash Game in her Control Unleashed: The Puppy Program Book.

When you are ready to take it outside, take it slowly. If the dog appears to be afraid of the outdoors, see this post.

More on loose leash walking here
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